Education, like the Earth, is power. So in this issue of Alternatives, we combine our annual Education issue with a critical, alternative look at energy. University of Toronto professor and Toronto Star columnist Stephen Bede Scharper explores how our spiritual connection with energy can save us. Stephen Bocking provides a […]

NOWHERE ELSE will you find a comprehensive directory of Canadian environmental programs to choose from. All universities and programs have their strengths and stories, and Alternatives Journal has made it quick and easy to compare. Accenting the directory are fascinating stories of innovative education. Find out who and what’s pushing […]

Initially intended to celebrate our nation’s spectacular biodiversity in 2010, the UN International Year of Biodiversity, Alternatives Journal could not help but highlight Ottawa’s spectacular failure to value these invaluable ecosystems. At the UN’s Convention on Biological Diversity in Nagoya, Japan, Canada may be blocking progress, rather than encouraging it.

Informed participation in open, accountable and effective governance: that’s a pretty good working definition of development. Governments have been using foreign aid for many purposes over the decades, and their first purpose is not always development or alleviation of poverty, as Ian Smillie points out in this issue of Alternatives. […]

Water Privateers – Tony ClarkeInternational trade agreements and loan conditions are pushing the privatization of public water systems around the world.Inset: Water Privatization Glossary – David A. McDonaldInset: GATS Threat – Karl Flecker Public Water – Ron CrawleyThe Canadian Union of Public Employees has been leading the fight against the privatization of […]

Editorial The Whole Enchilada Pretending to Help the Poor – Anuradha MittalA Third World activist challenges the hypocrisy of the biotech giants. When Organics Go Mainstream – Vijay CuddefordThe rising mass-market appeal of organic foods has changed the world for the small, local producers who started it all.

Editorial: Culture Jammers and Basic Civility – Robert Gibson Free Radio – JEFF FERRELLCaught between community service and criminalized activity, pirate microbroadcasters are challenging authority.Inset: Meet Godzilla: Media Monster Poised to Gobble the World by RICHARD EDMONDSON

Editorial: No Fish, Two Tories – Robert Gibson From Jigging to Farming – Dean BavingtonThe destructive management principles that led to the collapse of the northern cod stocks are now being applied to the new aquaculture industry.Inset: The Belated Discovery of Cod DiversityInset: Principles of Ecological Aquaculture

Editorial: Restoring What Was, Attacking What Is – Bob Gibson Beyond Repair – Donna HavingaEcological restoration is as much about transforming values and practices as about repairing damaged ecosystems.Inset: The Transformation of Sudbury by Nigel RichardsonInset: Restoration as Healing by Solomon Boyé

Editorial: Upside Down Logic – Robert Gibson The Day the NGOs Walked Out – Debora L. VannijnattenThe ARET project shows how voluntary pollution prevention may fail unless government ensures effective public involvement.Inset: Accuracy is Optional in ReportingInset: Voluntary Successes by Gary Gallon